As I mentioned in last week’s Top Comments diary, I was a first-time delegate for the Massachusetts Democratic Party Platform Convention last Saturday. BeninSC, Krotor, and Tara TASW all said I had to write a report on my experience, so grab a beverage and head below the story break after a word from our sponsor:
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Disclaimer: this will not be a complete description of every last speaker or bit of discussion because (A) Holy crap was that a long day; and (B) I didn’t take notes, as I was trying to savor the experience. It is what stands out from an exciting and interesting day.
I was told the doors opened at 8am and we’d be gaveled in at 10am, and so I set off for Worcester MA (a 90’ drive away) around 7am. Parking was easy, and I started walking for the door marked for Delegates who already had their credentials. It was easy to find because of the long, LONG line (not as long for the door leading to breakfast, but I digress). It took about 20’ to get in, but the time was spent reading and signing onto proposed amendments. So many amendments.
Funny anecdote from the entry line… I had my Netroots Nation canvas bag with me, with DailyKos logos on it. I got talking to a delegate next to me and he noticed the dKos logo. “Do you know about DailyKos Radio?” I said that yes, I did, I’d known the hosts as writers and had met them at a prior NN. “OMG you have?! You’ve MET Kagro X?????!” And I swear he swooned. I thanked him for listening, and told him if he really likes it to make sure to support it financially!
Got inside, had my bag searched three times, although not well enough to find the stash of food I’d brought in against venue rules because arena concession stand food is NOT diabetic friendly. I found some of my fellow city delegates at one of the breakfasts, heard some speeches, and got a last dose of caffeine before we headed to take our seats just prior to the 10am start.
Not so funny anecdote… all three Democratic Gubernatorial candidates were making the rounds, shaking hands and posing for photo ops. The obligatory Staffer was present, ready to take contact info or provide info. One was asked for their candidate’s Twitter and replied “I don’t know, I don’t use Twitter.” I was stunned, especially because I (who is not yet following the race closely) both knew and am following said candidate’s Twitter. I turned and quietly suggested the staffer needs to attend a social media training at Netroots Nation this August.
Got to our assigned section, and checked in with our Teller- lovely man who dearly needed a louder voice to do his job appropriately. (Note to self: I may have found my calling, given no one has EVER said I am soft-spoken). I was surprised and a bit disappointed at how many delegates didn’t attend, but I’ve since heard from friends in other states that the absence rate for a Platform Convention was pretty good, actually.
Finally, it was 10am, when things were going to get exciting! We heard the call to order, a Fire Department Color Guard came onstage for the Pledge, and… no one was at the podium to lead it. After the most awkwardly long silence known to humanity, the delegates began a self-led Pledge. Star Spangled Banner, and we’re ready to get started…
But first, a speech, where we learned that this was the biggest Platform Convention in forever, with over 1500 first-time delegates. Then another, where we heard of the evils of Trump. And a few more. Then all three gubernatorial candidates. Jason Kander gave a fantastic speech, although I was a bit nonplussed I had to explain to half of my fellow delegates who he was (and that was AFTER I tried “remember the guy who assembled a rifle blindfolded?” and they said “huh?”). And John Kerry, and Elizabeth Warren (who gave a rockstar speech but I am jaded since I have seen her at NN multiple times :-)).
But they didn’t end it there, noooooo, there were at least five more speakers. We had as far as I can tell every Democratic politician in Massachusetts speak. FOR NEARLY FIVE STRAIGHT HOURS. Speeches, and people passing out pieces of paper of various sizes with Platform and Charter Amendments, which piled up in my lap. The Convention was scheduled to go to breakout sessions at 3pm, at which point I was going to head up to Maine for the church retreat I was missing, because nobody misses the annual Talent Show :). But at 2:30, we still had people speaking. At one point someone tweeted how excited they were about voting on the platform. I replied that I’d vote for pretty much ANYTHING as long as we did it soon.
At around 2:30 we finally began the process of working through the amendments, and I assumed that with people speaking for and against each amendment we’d be there until midnight. But no! After 5 hours of speeches, we voted on over 15 amendments AND passed the platform in one hour. Yep, one hour. I ducked out before the charter amendments and did in fact make it in time for dinner and the aforementioned talent show.
My takeaway thoughts:
1. Democracy is messy and slow. The reason there were so many speakers is because there were so many proposed amendments, and the process of certifying signatures and getting everyone a hardcopy of the amendment takes time.
2. While I understand democracy is slow and that no large event run by a small number of staff and volunteers is without hitches and delays, it was incredibly clear that disrespect of delegate’s time is a barrier to participation by everyone. If I’d had a babysitter waiting for me, or had to work and planned on a 3pm end time, or had caregiver responsibilities or a medical condition… I could NOT have stayed to do my civic duty. We need to do better.
3. We here on DailyKos or who attend Netroots Nation and are highly connected online are a definite minority. While lots of people had heard of DailyKos either via emails or from posts they’d reshared on Facebook, I didn’t meet a single other Kossack all day, although I know at least one was there and I am sorry nicteis for not seeing your message until after Saturday.
4. I had a wonderful time connecting with fellow Democrats from my local area. I made new friends, learned a lot about how others see the city and its issues, and got fresh perspective on lots of things.
5. I hope to be able to go again, although next year is a Nominating Convention and I hear it gets pretty cutthroat to be chosen a delegate. I have a full year to prepare and learn, though.
And now it’s time for what you really come here for- the trio of Top Comments, Mojo and Pictures that form the backbone of this longrunning community diary series. Remember, we can’t do it without YOU! And I’d be lost without my formatting collaborator, BeninSC!
Brillig's ObDisclaimer: The decision to publish each nomination lies with the evening's Diarist and/or Comment Formatter. My evenings at the helm, I try reeeeallllyy hard to publish everything without regard to content. I really do, even when I disagree personally with any given nomination. "TopCommentness" lies in the eyes of the nominator and of you, the reader - I leave the decision to you. I do not publish self-nominations (ie your own comments) and if I ruled the world, we'd all build community, supporting and uplifting instead of tearing our fellow Kossacks down.
Note: Please remember that comment inclusion in Top Comments does not constitute support or endorsement by diarist, formatter, Top Comments writers or DailyKos. Questions, complaints or comments? Contact brillig.
From greenbird:
This mostly video comment by Iberian captures much of the essence of things in the tweeting world of 45.
"3:14 - "would it be permissible for me to maneuver your doughnuts". Ha ha."
"with the volume ON, It's called juxtaposition ."
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From Yasuragi:
I posted a fundraiser for Aji and Wings, and just past midnight, this message came in:
Lib Dem FoP Jun 06 · 12:01:43 AM
In view of the events of Saturday evening, I have just sent $20 with the message
From a Londoner to show that love can conquer acts of hate.
I was fielding comments, and worried about meeting the matching funds... but when I got to this comment from Lib Dem FoP, I just went completely to pieces. What a fantastically beautiful message.
(Ed. note: While Yasuragi’s thoughtful diary has resulted in enough contributions to qualify for a matching amount, donations are still needed and welcome. I was proud to add one this evening, and I hope you can, also!)
Highlighted by Mark Sumner (via MikeTheLiberal! Hat tip!):
Is this ‘nailed it’ comment by GD58, on how complicated it is to ‘fool’ 45.
Highlighted by FarWestGirl:
Is this astonishing (and astonishingly USEFUL) comment by DSC on the Plateau, with inside insights into the census, in kos’s diary today about Republican attempts to ‘weaponize’ the census.
Top Mojo ala mik!
For Monday, June 5, 2017, first comments and tip jars excluded. Thank you mik for the mojo magic! For those of you interested in How Top Mojo Works, please see his diary on the subject.
2017-06-06, courtesy of jotter!